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New Year, Realistic You: How to Set Achievable Wellness Goals Without Burning Out

The start of a new year often brings pressure to overhaul our lives with lofty resolutions. But as a mom, wife, and caregiver, I know that life doesn’t pause just because it’s January. For years, I set unrealistic goals, only to feel defeated when I couldn’t stick to them. But I’ve learned a lot over the years of showing up no matter the season, and really shifting my mindset made all the difference. Sometime after Sam was born, my health and wellness took on a whole new meaning for me. It was no longer about size or goal weight but about longevity and overall health. My focus became about making this a lifestyle and wanting to instill the same values in my children. I realized I needed to tie these "goals" to a bigger meaning in order for them to stick. I needed to stop chasing quick fixes and really work on making things stick for the long-haul! After keeping those promises to myself for almost 8 years now, I wanted to share some tips with you! Here’s how you can create sustainable, realistic wellness goals that fit into your already busy life.

Sara England Wellness | New Years

Ditch the All-or-Nothing Mindset


Why it Matters: When we set extreme goals, like working out every day or completely cutting out sugar, we set ourselves up for burnout. The reality is life is unpredictable, especially for moms, and perfection isn’t realistic. A more flexible approach allows us to adapt when things don’t go as planned. It also gives us grace for the ups and downs along the journey!


Tips:

  • Start small. If your goal is to start exercising, commit to 20 minutes of movement daily for 5 days vs trying to do something like 75 hard! Be realistic with what you can and cannot take on in the season you are in

  • Choose one meal to focus on, like adding a veggie to your lunch, instead of trying to overhaul your entire diet. I started with breakfast since I would either skip it or eat egos doused in syrup- I started drinking a protein smoothie! 

  • Give yourself grace on the hard days and get back on track when you can. I cannot emphasize this enough. Things WILL go wrong. It is going to happen. Just keep going! 


I used to be the queen of all-or-nothing thinking. Every January, I’d commit to strict goals—daily workouts, no sweets, and drinking a gallon of water. Inevitably, I’d miss a workout or cave to a cupcake and feel like I’d failed. And then take weeks off, and struggle to start again. Now, I embrace something called consistent flexibility. It is all about being FLEXIBLE with your approach but consistent in the effort! If I can only fit in a walk around the block or a 15 minute workout, that counts. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress.

Focus on One Area at a Time

Why it Matters:Trying to change too much at once is overwhelming, especially when you’re already managing a busy household. Starting with one habit that builds confidence and momentum without adding to your stress. Maybe you need to consider what area you want to focus on the most right now- is it your mental health, physical health or your nutrition? The might all need an overhaul- but you start with ONE and make is specific! 

Tips:

  • Pick one simple habit to focus on for the first few weeks, like drinking more water. Give yourself a way to track it!

  • Once that habit feels natural, layer in another, such as preparing healthy snacks for the week.

  • Celebrate small wins to keep yourself motivated.


When my son was in the NICU, life felt completely out of control. I couldn’t tackle big wellness goals, so I started with one: drink a glass of water every time I pumped. The key is pairing something NEW with something you are already doing! It was a small step, but it made me feel like I was taking care of myself in the midst of chaos. That one habit eventually led to more, like getting back into short workouts or making time to meal prep. Start small and work your way up to stacking on those habits!


Track Progress Without Perfection

Why it Matters: Tracking helps you see your progress, even on days when it feels like nothing is going right. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about recognizing how far you’ve come. Tracking is a great VISUAL reward- it helps you see all you have been able to accomplish! I am a big believer in rewards as well as tracking! If you like to check a calendar off, this could be a big motivator for you!

Tips:

  • Use a simple habit tracker to check off each day you complete your goal.

  • Reflect weekly on what went well and what you can adjust.

  • Focus on trends over time rather than any single day. Focus on the BIG picture!


I used to avoid tracking because I thought it would make me feel guilty about missed days. But when I started using a simple checklist for my goals—like drinking water or moving my body—I realized how motivating it was to see my progress add up. Even on tough weeks, seeing those little check marks reminded me I was making an effort, and that was enough to keep me going.


Lean Into Accountability

Why it Matters: Having a support system makes all the difference when you’re trying to stick to your goals. Whether it’s a friend, a group, or a community, accountability keeps you motivated and helps you bounce back when life gets tough. It truly is the secret sauce for showing up! If you want to develop new habits, who you surround yourself with matters!

Tips:

  • Find an accountability partner who shares similar goals.

  • Join a supportive community where you can celebrate wins and share struggles.

  • Set a regular check-in with someone to stay on track.


When I started focusing on my wellness journey, I tried to do it alone. But it wasn’t until I found a group of women who understood my challenges that I really started making progress. They cheered me on when I was struggling, celebrated my wins, and reminded me why I started. That’s one of the reasons I created Her Wellness Collective—to give other moms that same sense of support and belonging.


Sara England Wellness | Mom Life | Family

This year, let’s set goals that work for us, not against us. By ditching the all-or-nothing mindset, focusing on one habit at a time, tracking progress without perfection, and leaning into accountability, we can create a sustainable path to wellness. Most people fail to achieve their goals in the new year because they lack the right strategies, clarity, and structure to set themselves up for success. I have a 5 day challenge that comes with a 6 video guided lessons and a workbook to really help you create clarity and intention around your goals so you can actually achieve them! You don’t need more motivation—you need a plan that works for YOU. That’s exactly what Vision Week gives you.



What’s included:

✅ 5 days of clarity + goal-setting exercises

✅ Workbook to break your goals into manageable steps

✅ A step-by-step process to take action

✨ BONUS: Choose your word or mantra for the year”

No more spinning your wheels. Let’s make this your year!



If you’re ready to take those goals a first step and want a community and daily support to walk with you, I’d love for you to join Her Wellness Collective. Together, we’ll make this NEW year about progress, not perfection—and we’ll cheer each other on every step of the way. We’re kicking off 2025 with a January Wellness Challenge that will:

  • Help you build healthy habits one step at a time- focusing on the core 4- hydration, sleep, movement and nutrition!

  • Time management tips, including how to time block, manage your day, and stay organized—even when life is chaotic.

  • Show you that you don’t have to be “perfect” to make progress.

  • New weekly recipes and weekly meal plans are included

  • Daily accountability and support in a private app

You have nothing to lose but old habits and things that are holding you back! For less than $1/day you have everything to gain like clarity, confidence, lasting habits and belonging! 


 Join us now and get ready to step into a community that’s got your back—Vision Week, January Wellness, and so much more are waiting for you! 

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